White revolution taking place in Rioja

Though white Rioja currently accounts for just 5% of the Spanish region’s global sales, winemakers are now investing time and energy into getting the best from the grape, particularly in light of the 2007 law allowing Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo to be used alongside Viura in blending.

The regulations allow those grapes to be blended with Malvasía and Garnacha Blanca in the production of white Rioja, so long as native grapes make up the majority of the blend.

Three “new” native grapes were also recognised under the terms of the new law – Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana and Turruntés.

Indeed, Tempranillo Blanco, which currently only exists in Rioja, is causing great excitement among producers. Rafael Vivanco, winemaker at Dinastía Vivanco, believes its arrival in the region is “very promising”.